Oral health is an essential part of the overall health of yourself and your family. But how can you tell when your mouth isn’t as healthy as it should be? There are many signs you can easily recognize that help you to know when it is time to see your dentist.
Knowing the signs of oral health issues and getting the care you need as soon as possible is the best way for you to maintain the oral health of yourself and your family and make sure that problems are solved before they become bigger. Poor oral health can lead to other problems and diseases as well, not just affecting your mouth but the rest of your body too. Issues like cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, respiratory infections and even cancers have all been linked to poor oral health. Protecting your mouth protects the health of your entire body. Seeing your dentist regularly or if you suspect you may have a problem ensures you get the necessary treatment as soon as possible for the best positive outcome.
If you notice signs of an issue with your oral health, it is important to know if it is serious. The signs and symptoms below are clues that it may be time to see your dentist.
Gums that are red, swollen, or bleed when brushed are signs that you may have periodontitis, otherwise known as gum disease. Gum disease can be a contributing factor of many other health issues, so even though it may not seem like a dental emergency it is important to seek treatment from your dentist right away. Cases of gum disease caught early, before the disease becomes severe, are highly treatable and when treated can make a huge difference in the health of your mouth.
Pain in your mouth is always a warning sign that something isn’t right. If you have recurring pain in your gums, teeth, or jaw it’s time to see your dentist. A simple toothache can mean a problem with your tooth or the surrounding gums, but a toothache can also be referred pain- pain that is caused by a problem elsewhere in your body. A toothache may be caused by tooth decay and can get worse if left untreated. Jaw pain can be caused by issues with your teeth or jawbone. TMJ affects the joints that join your jawbone to your skull and can result in a popping sound as your jaw moves. TMJ can be caused by underlying health conditions like arthritis or an infection.
While sensitive teeth are the norm for some people, if you develop a sudden sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks it could be a sign of an underlying problem. Tooth sensitivity is caused by the nerves of teeth being exposed due to the wearing away of the protective outer enamel coating. If you are feeling sudden sensitivity in your teeth, it could be caused by a condition that is wearing away your enamel such as acid reflux, gum recession, or a broken or chipped tooth. The wearing away of enamel is likely to worsen if the cause is not addressed and teeth will become even more sensitive. If you experience sudden sensitivity, see your dentist to determine the cause.
Mouth sores are common for people of all ages. Mouth sores typically affect the soft tissue of the mouth like the lips, gums, tongue and roof. Most mouth sores like a cold sore or minor injury last only 1-2 weeks. If you experience a mouth sore lasting longer than 1-2 weeks, it may be time to see your dentist. Long lasting sores in the mouth can be a sign of a serious infection, an underlying disease, or even cancer.
Everyone experiences bad breath at some time or another. Just after your morning cup of coffee, after a garlicky lunch, or even when you first wake up. But bad breath that doesn’t go away after brushing or using mouthwash means there is something else going on. Chronic bad breath should be addressed by your dentist to determine the cause. Possible reasons for chronic bad breath can include periodontal disease, dry mouth, sinus, mouth or throat conditions, or other severe diseases.
Teeth are generally pretty strong. The tough outer enamel coating of teeth is one of the strongest substances in your body and helps to protect them from most normal wear and tear, minor injuries, and some accidents. But serious damage to your teeth means taking a trip to the dentist. Broken or cracked teeth can result in pain and discomfort and can worsen over time if not treated. Broken and cracked teeth are highly susceptible to tooth decay and can make gum disease more probable too. While some cracks or chips are purely cosmetic, it is important to see your dentist to make sure your tooth isn’t damaged, even if you don’t feel any pain.
The internet makes it seem easy to type in your symptoms and get an answer as to why you don’t feel well. But the truth is only your dentist can truly diagnose what may be causing your symptoms and tell you about the best course of treatment based on your personal needs and medical history. It is important not to dismiss symptoms just to avoid an irregular visit to the dentist. Pain, swelling, and other issues are warnings that something isn’t right. Listening to your body and giving your dentist time to identify issues gives you the best chance to diagnose and treat a problem before it gets worse.
Bad breath? Broken or cracked teeth? Pain or swelling in your gums? If you are experiencing any oral health issues call our Dentist of West Covina office at (626) 534-6541 today to set up an appointment.
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